OOM: Bisbee

[lasthalfmile]

Sleeping on the ground is an experience in itself that Dan finds he's missed. The stiffness in his neck, the chill in his bones, the fine layer of dust and ash that ends up covering his clothes and bare skin is all proof that he's actually here, in the flesh.

So to speak.

The desert is quiet at sunrise, and Dan's already up. The horses are fed and the fire is stoked just enough to last them an hour or two while they get ready. Once Ben is up, it doesn't take long for him to eat and pack up their things, saddle up the horses.

"Don't think it'll be quite as hot today."

Plus, Bisbee is up in a canyon, almost a mile high. The air is cooler up there so the sweat shouldn't be quite so bad, especially with the early start to cover the last bit of distance before they make it into town. After last night's conversation, Dan finds himself thinking about this entire trip.

He's actually going to his own funeral.

He's quieter than he was yesterday, as they get ready to head out.

Comments

[almosthonorable]

There's a brief flash behind Ben's eyes when Mark mentions the money, though he's studying Alice the entire time.

Look at me. Not your husband.

"I'm goin' — just wanted to pay my respects."

Glancing down at Mark, "You listen, all right? Your daddy got me on that train. You remember that."

He looks back to Alice.

And smiles.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I got another appointment to keep."

With a short nod, he steps out of the pew, never letting his eyes slide to Dan lest that draws any attention, and strolls out of the church and toward the hitching post.

Chance of a lifetime.

He and Dan are going to make damn sure Butterfield pisses himself.

[lasthalfmile]

All eyes are on Ben as he walks out of that church.

Alice waits for the door to close behind him before she returns to her seat and sits down, and nods at the Reverend to continue. Dan slowly rises and turns his face towards the back of the room, to walk out.

He catches Mark's curious eyes.

His boy stares at him a second, but then Dan brings a finger to his lips to silence him, and he nods a little, before he turns and walks out.

Mark watches him go, before he turns around and looks back at that pine box in the front while the preacher begins to talk again.

Dan's boots barely echo on the floor as he walks outside, and the hat is easily replaced on his head as he makes his way down the few steps towards the hitching post and towards Ben.

They have another appointment to keep.